Alabama, NC Public Safety Officers Investigated in ‘Chop Shop,’ Disability Fraud

Fraud investigations in two Southeastern states have led to the arrest or administrative leave for three public safety officers.

In Alabama, two University of Alabama at Birmingham police officers have been placed on leave in connection with an investigation into stolen vehicles, according to local news reports. The investigation is examining the use of National Crime Information Center system to steal vehicles and take them to “chop shops” – illegal shops where cars are stripped and sold for parts, WBMA TV and WVTM TV news reported.

The university confirmed in a statement that the officers had been placed on leave, but did not provide names. UAB is supporting the investigation, the statement said.

In North Carolina, a firefighter was charged with accepting more than $102,000 in disability benefits, even though he had recovered from a reported injury, the state insurance commissioner reported.

John William Myers, 52, who was with the Salisbury Volunteer Fire Department, was injured in firefighter training in 2019. But he continued to receive benefits after he returned to work in 2023, the NC Department of Insurance said in a statement.

Myers provided false information to National Union Fire Insurance Co. about his disability, DOI said.

Myers turned himself in at the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office in late January and was released on bond. He was charged with insurance fraud and obtaining property by false pretense.